NEET-SS Vacancies | Take Decisions In 3 Months For Smooth Admissions Next Academic Year : Supreme Court Urges Union Govt

The Supreme Court on Friday (January 3) directed the Union to conduct a stakeholder meeting with all States/UTs and Private Medical Colleges in relation to the issue of filling vacancies for NEET- Super Speciality Courses for the coming Academic year. The Union is further expected to resolve the issue within 3 months.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Vishvanathan, was hearing a batch of petitions arising out of successful candidates dropping out of such courses.

Previously, the bench of Justice Gavai and Justice Vikram Nath had expressed concerns over the vacancies in super speciality medical courses in India, and the failure of the concerned authorities to fill the vacancies.

The bench in April 2023 noted that according to the submissions made by the law officer, the Union government was set to appoint a committee under the chairmanship of the Director-General of Health Services of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to find a solution for the problem. This committee would comprise the representatives of the Indian states, as well as private medical colleges.

On January 3, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhatti appearing for the Union informed the Court that the Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of the Director General of Health Services so appointed has submitted its report on the issue.

The ASG stressed that inputs from various stakeholders including the State Government/Union Territories, the National Medical Council and the National Board of Examination would be required, the Union may convene a meeting with all the stakeholders and suggest a proposal before this Court.

Considering the same, the Court directed as follows:

“We, therefore, direct the Union of India to hold a meeting with all the stakeholders, including representatives from all the States/UTs and the private medical colleges to consider the report of the Expert Committee.”

“We would appreciate the Union of India to take a decision on the issue within a period of three months to ensure there are no complications in the admission process for the next academic session.” The bench clarified.

The matter will now be heard in April.

Case Details: Kevin Joy & Ors. v. Government of India & Ors. | Writ Petition (Civil) Nos. 106 of 2023 and other connected matters